President Mohamed Nasheed has today briefed the media on the progress of the government’s key pledges and on the state of the economy. The press conference was held this morning at the President’s Office.

On housing, the President said the government was making considerable advances in its efforts for providing affordable housing to the people.

The government plans to develop 10,000 housing units to alleviate the housing crisis prevailing in the country. 7,000 housing units will be developed in the seven provinces while 3,000 will be developed in the Male region.

Speaking on basic utilities, the President said evaluation of bid proposals for providing clean water, sewerage and electricity was underway. He added the government was happy with the progress it has made in those projects.

President Nasheed said addressing drug abuse was a key priority of the government. He said the government believed there was a significant drop in drugs trafficked into the Maldives. He also said the government believed drugs supply within the country has reduced.

On the plans to address drug addiction, the President said government has decided to establish more detoxification centres across the country.

Turning to the economy, the President said government attached a high priority to plan a social protection programme to assist families that were financially less advantaged.

At the press conference, the President also spoke on the bill on the privileges and immunities for former presidents. He said due respect, privileges, immunities should be accorded to former presidents.

He added while the government wanted to provide whatever possible economic benefits and assistance to former presidents, the government believed it was an injustice if former presidents did not have the opportunity to prove their innocence in a court of law.

He urged the members of the People’s Majlis not to accord him such powers that would enable him to act with impunity.